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using a directory/resource script ques.

Hi -

I'm using IndexU to add a directory of resources on my web site. Here's my question: Is it ok/acceptable to add sites to it on my own that I feel are a good addition to the directory or do I need to solicit the webmaster to submit their resource on there own??

I sent out a mailing recently to sites I have relationships with (links already on my site somewhere else) but no one really responded! So I want to grow the directory on my own.

Is your question phrased as a statement, as in that's what I should be doing?! Or are you just asking? Should I e-mail the webmasters of the sites I'm adding myself?

Josh

It was a question, hence the question mark.

If I'm understanding you right, you're adding sites to your directory, even ones that didn't ask to be included, and then e-mailing all sites in your directory -- which includes those who were added by you. If this is the case, I wouldn't do it because of those sites who didn't request your mailings!

I just received a follow-up email (telling me to convert to a paid listing) from the directory that listed me on their own - in ADDITION to their welcome email. Erm ... I might get pissed off one of these days if I'm in a bad mood. My advice? Better not

As of now, the script isn't even up and running yet, so I'm not adding any sites at this point. My original question was to ask when I have it up and running.

How about this approach: I'll add sites and not e-mail the owners (if they want to be removed I guess they can let me know). I also won't e-mail the site owners asking to upgrade to a paid listing [cough *spam*!].

My original question was basically is it ok to add sites to my directory - I don't see a problem with that.

I'm sure some of them would appreciate a quick 'You have been included in xyz search engine' email. Don't make it look or sound like spam, and don't send too many at once (one at a time as you add the sites, though you can get them to be sent programmatically if you want to as long as they are done one by one). Make sure to include your link in the mail and perhaps there'll be more traffic to your directory. Also include contact/remove links in case they want to change the information that is listed with their link or whatever.